Don’t fall victim to heat exhaustion, medics warn

Al Ain, UAE: As temperatures soar across the country people are being urged not to fall prey to heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke.

The mercury has already reached the mid-40s in some cities. Forecasters have said summer is on its way and people should be ready to face tough conditions.

The temperature can climb up to 49 degrees Celsius in inland areas.

Currently the hottest place in the country is Suwaihan, a town some 70km in the north-west of Al Ain, with a maximum temperature of 44C. Towns and cities such as Al Faqqa, Al Khazna, Al Wathbah, Saih Al Salem, and Umm Al Zimul, all in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, have been facing hot and dry conditions.

North-westerly winds currently sweeping through the country are helping to keep temperatures down, said a forecaster, noting that conditions will change dramatically with the arrival of hot southerly and south-easterly winds.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) also expects a rise in temperature in the coming days.

"The weather will be fair in general, becoming partly cloudy and hazy at times as temperatures tend to rise," an official said.

Dr Fatima Tariq, a physician in Al Ain, said it was time to take protective measures against seasonal ailments. Heat, dust and humidity, particularly in coastal areas, have created conducive conditions for seasonal illnesses.

"Allergic rhinitis [or hay fever], which can occur due to dust, has been affecting many people," she said.

Other seasonal complications are inflammation of the nasal passages, which leads to sudden bouts of sneezing, inflammation of the eyes and a sore throat, said Dr Fatima.

Dr Riaz Ahmad, another physician, said health risk for fieldworkers, labourers, schoolchildren and elderly people have increased hugely. Safeguards against heat-related illness must be taken, he said, adding that heat exhaustion can accelerate into a serious condition known as heatstroke. "It is important to deal with the early symptoms immediately," he said.

He said the number of patients with nose, throat, and chest ailments is also on the rise.

According to the NCMS, the weather will be fair with some cloud at times over the next couple of days. Winds will be moderately rough but are likely to kick up dust and sand in the internal areas. Humidity is also expected to increase in all areas.